Airfare is so incredibly cheap in September that I'm going to buy a ticket for my 19 year old son to spend a couple of weeks in Italy before he goes back to university at the end of the month. He is a European history major/buff and wants to explore Venice, Ravenna, Florence, Siena, and possibly Rome.
He is already a very experienced traveler so I'm not too worried about him but know that lodging can make or break a trip when you're traveling by yourself.
I realize that hostels are typically for younger people but I know that some more "mature" adults like them too so I thought I'd see if any of you have recent experience with hostels in any of these cities? Or maybe you have a younger person around who has recently used hostels they liked / disliked?
Are there any you would / would not recommend?
Trying to keep it under $50 per night.
Dorm-style rooms are fine.
Thanks everyone!
Posted by
Indianapolis
288 posts
Anita,
Here are a few hotels/hostels that might fit his needs:
Venice (stayed here in May/June 2016): Hotel Santa Lucia - 55 euros a night. Private room; with bathroom down hall; breakfast included in lovely front garden. Staff so kind and helpful
Florence (stayed here in May 2013): Ostello Archi Rossi - stayed in the Annex - private room with ensuite; dorm rooms also available
Rome (stayed here in June 2010): The Beehive; dorm beds 25 euro a night; very clean and safe; near the main train station in Rome
Hope he has a great trip!
Sharon
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
15829 posts
Anita, you might want to post your question on Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree forum as well. The members there are more likely to have stayed in hostels than the Rick Steves gang.
Actually, have your son post there himself? Experienced traveler or not, learning how to use travel sites as a resource is a useful education for gathering what he'll need to know to plan his time in Italy.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32216 posts
Anita,
If he visits Rome, I'd highly recommend Alessandro Palace, which is close to Termini station. It's modern and well run, and a good atmosphere for the younger crowd (although I'm 60+ and have no problem staying there on occasion). As I recall, a 4-bed dorm was €35 per night (the room had a shared ensuite), and that has to be paid in cash.
For the other locations, you may want to have a look at the HI Hostels website, as they have properties in many places around the world, sometimes more than one in larger cities. They're also well run (in my experience). Having an inexpensive HI Hostels membership will provide slightly cheaper prices.
Posted by
Treasure Island, Florida, USA
258 posts
I will second Archi Rossi in Florence. My two daughters stayed there a few years ago and said "Mom even YOU would like this hostel". not that I 'd stay in a hostel or anything....:)